Japanese first responders to wear robotic exoskeletons — gizmag

The modified HAL exoskeleton for first responders on display at Japan Robot Week 2012

Japanese first responders to wear robotic exoskeletons

By Jason Falconer
October 18, 2012

Since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, the Japanese government has been testing robotic technologies to help deal with future accidents. The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) exoskeleton, developed by the University of Tsukuba spin-off Cyberdyne, is being considered for first responders.

For protection the suit incorporates tungsten shielding which reduces radiation exposure by about 50 percent, as well as a cooling system to prevent heatstroke. Much of the weight of the suit, including tools used for repairing damaged pipes, can be carried by the exoskeleton’s legs. Vital signs such as heart rate and body temperature will also be measured in real-time.